Tampa, FL-- The National Institute of Health has said the flu is an epidemic at this point, and Florida's state officials are very concerned.

Florida Surgeon General, Dr. John Armstrong, has expressed his worries, saying we are already eclipsing last year's numbers, and we're only half way through this year's flu season.

"The last time we had a moderately severe flu season like this in Florida was about 10 years ago, and so because that peak has shifted earlier, we anticipate there will be increasing cases of flu," he said.

He also addressed the importance of getting vaccinated for those who have yet to do so.

"The peak from, let's say last year, has already occurred. Now we're going to eclipse that peak, and that is why we are emphasizing the importance of anyone who has not been vaccinated against the flu greater than six months of age, to get that flu shot."

Some bay area stores can't even keep the medication on the shelves, selling out as soon as they've restocked.

With all of this news, it is common for people to have questions about how they can protect themselves and their families from getting the flu, or how to recover once infected.

10 News partnered with All Children's Hospital as they hosted a phone bank with doctors on hand to answer all of your flu questions.

The two most popular questions were, "Should I get the flu shot even if I've already had the flu?", and "What should I do with my kids?"

One doctor at the flu bank addressed the first question, saying there are currently a couple of different strains out, and the vaccine protects against a total of three, so it is important to get immunized.

As for your children, he said getting them vaccinated is a very strong preventative measure to take.

If they have already come down with the flu, the doctor said to keep them hydrated, monitor their breathing, and provide proper medications to get them back to health.